Picture an American storyteller who penned a bone-crunching debut while still in high school—meet Hannah Moskowitz! Born in 1991, this young adult and middle grade author has carved a niche with her fearless, heartfelt stories that tackle love, identity, and resilience. From her award-winning novels to her candid takes on publishing, Moskowitz is a vibrant voice in contemporary YA fiction, captivating readers with her raw, authentic narratives.
The Making of Hannah Moskowitz
Born on April 12, 1991, in Maryland, Hannah Moskowitz was a storyteller from the start. At seven, she wrote a tale about a kitten on the run, only to have it disqualified for being too violent—a hint of the bold edge she’d later bring to YA literature. A self-described bookworm, Moskowitz devoured favorites like On the Jellicoe Road and When You Reach Me, which shaped her knack for crafting complex, emotional teen voices. While still a junior in high school, she penned her debut novel, Break, launching a career that would redefine YA storytelling.
Hannah Moskowitz’s Unforgettable Stories
Moskowitz’s novels are a masterclass in blending gritty realism with tender heart. Her debut, Break (2009), follows Jonah, a teen obsessed with breaking every bone in his body to cope with family chaos, earning a spot on the ALA’s 2010 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list and a starred review from Booklist. Gone, Gone, Gone (2012), set against the backdrop of the 2002 DC sniper shootings, explores a gay interracial romance with raw vulnerability, snagging a Stonewall Honor. Sick Kids in Love (2019) flips the ‘sick-lit’ trope, delivering a joyful romance between two chronically ill teens, complete with starred reviews and a Sydney Taylor Honor. Then there’s Teeth (2013), a haunting magical realism tale about a teen and a merboy on an island of healing fish, showcasing her genre-bending flair. Moskowitz’s style—unfiltered dialogue, messy emotions, and authentic LGBTQ+ representation—captures the kaleidoscope of teen life with grace and grit.
Her middle grade works, like Zombie Tag (2011) and Marco Impossible (2013), bring the same emotional depth to younger readers, blending humor with poignant coming-of-age themes. Whether she’s writing about sea monster hunters in Salt or fairy prostitutes in A History of Glitter and Blood, Moskowitz’s stories pulse with vivid characters and fearless exploration of taboo topics like mental health and self-harm.
Why Hannah Moskowitz Matters
Hannah Moskowitz isn’t just a writer—she’s a trailblazer who gives teens a mirror for their messiest feelings. Her commitment to diverse, authentic representation, especially for LGBTQ+ and chronically ill characters, has made her a beacon in YA literature. Awards like the Bisexual Book Award for Not Otherwise Specified and critical acclaim from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly underscore her impact. By tackling heavy themes with humor and heart, Moskowitz empowers readers to embrace their complexities, making her a vital voice in shaping how teens see themselves and their world.
About Hannah Moskowitz
- Birth Date: April 12, 1991
- Key Works: Break, Gone, Gone, Gone, Sick Kids in Love, Teeth
- Awards: Stonewall Honor (2013), Sydney Taylor Honor (2019), Bisexual YA Book of the Year (2016)
- Fun Fact: She lives in Maryland with several non-violent cats!
Snag Sick Kids in Love or Break and dive into Hannah Moskowitz’s bold, beautiful world of YA storytelling!